Thanksgiving, Broadway, and Global Citizenship: Our Students’ Experience in the United States

At the same time, the students have been able to attend classes and take part in various cultural visits. For example, the students at Saint Peter’s visited the World Trade Center and, from the 105th floor, enjoyed extraordinary views and a truly memorable sunset. The Gonzaga students were able to visit the White House, and those at Friends Seminary visited the United Nations. On top of that, all the students had the chance to attend a Broadwayshow. Without a doubt, an enriching experience for everyone.

We believe that the exchange experience itself is already an unforgettable memory for the students. However, this program has a very charming added value: the stay in the United States coincides with the celebration of Thanksgiving. Our students were able to enjoy a few days off with their host families – a very special moment during the exchange. For many, it was their first time celebrating Thanksgiving; for all of them, it was an opportunity to share everyday life, observe, and learn from the inside, with the calm and joy that characterise these days. And, of course, to celebrate the holiday in true American style.

Some of the students share their experiences with us:

We arrived in New York on Sunday, and since then we have been discovering many new things about the city. One of the highlights so far was visiting the Statue of Liberty, where we learned more about the famous sculpture and its meaning. We have also noticed several differences compared to Spain. For example, here we have to move from one classroom to another for each subject, while in Spain we usually stay in the same room. We also realised that the time for lunch or the break between classes is much shorter, and there is no playground like we have at school in Spain. Overall, the trip has been very exciting and has helped us understand a new culture. - Nicolás Z., 4th year lower secondary

The exchange is proving to be an enriching experience, both culturally and in terms of the language. These past few days we’ve done lots of activities and shared moments that have helped us connect deeply with the other group. So far, the experience has been incredible, and I don’t regret my decision at all. – Blanca S., 1st year upper secondary

These first days of settling in have flown by and have been spectacular. We’ve already visited a good part of New York, and I think it’s a beautiful city, though very different from Barcelona. It’s impressive to see such tall buildings up close – it feels like living inside a movie as an exchange student. – Álvaro F. 4th year lower secondary

Spending Thanksgiving in New York has been a completely new experience that has shown me another side of the holiday. It was amazing to take part in this American tradition and give greater importance to the value of being grateful. – Lucía R., 4th year lower secondary

This is our third week of the exchange with Friends Seminary school in Manhattan. It has been a unique experience where I’ve learned so many new things about American culture. I’ve lived through something unforgettable. I’m also very grateful to the host family I was placed with – they took great care of me, and we’ve had super fun and different weeks together. It’s an experience I’d recommend to everyone, because I’ve learned so many new things and I’ll always remember this trip. – Beth L., 4th year lower secondary

Going to the United States for the first time was a dream come true. I had only seen it in movies, and now I was the one living it firsthand. My host family was a gift – they were so kind, and my partner and I clicked from the very first second. Immersing myself in their daily life wasn’t hard at all; however, there were still some cultural shocks, like meal times or the heavy reliance on cars.

Another highlight was the full language immersion, since I was the only exchange student at that school. For instance, in certain situations I learned to think quickly – for example, when a word wouldn’t come to me, I’d rapidly try to describe it or explain it. It was an experience I would definitely repeat, and I was really lucky with the host family I was placed with. I’m truly grateful. – Blanca M., 4th year lower secondary

Now that the stay has come to an end, we’re starting to prepare – with great enthusiasm and excitement – the arrival of the American students in March/April.